JB sends in a report about the Yugoslavian press screening and events lined up for the fans:

Well, seven hours after press screening, I dare to say -- it's official: AOTC is movie that keeps, cherishes and improves all Star Wars sentiment and epic. And visual superiority. And imagination. And that distinctive Star Wars feeling. I wouldn't go that far to place it next to "Empire Strikes Back" but I am quote positive that Episode III might go that far.

After very poor media coverage here in Yugoslavia (actually, it's called Serbia & Montenegro now, but I just keep forgeting it) the press screening started a campaign that is supposed to be part of a Celebration. It will include concerts with bands and DJ's doing their covers of Star Wars music, founding of first official SW fan club, screening of SW fan movies, SW debate, open Star Wars Racer competition, exibition of SW accessories and memorabilia. Unfortunately, making a big spectacle at movie premieres is a custom that is just catching on here, so I can't go in my Jedi costume - but no one will stop me from having my faithful lightsaber with me.

AOTC is darker, deeper and a more complete movie then "Phantom Menace" and all Muppetness of Episode I is gone. The tragic destiny of the Skywalkers and the Galactic Republic is just chugging toward the end we all know. After seeing AOTC, "Phantom Menace" makes much more sense, no one is saying "Whoopeee!" or "Meesa hava no booma!". Hayden Christensen is amazingly good -- frankly I expected a pretty face saying "Whoopee!" -- (highlight to read) but he starts of as cocky young Padawan and ends up as angry, dark, hurt and even frightening figure we can easily imagine as young Vader. His facial expression and body language are very convincing. I wish I could say the same for Portman, although her share of action is much funkier then her daughter's. And speaking of Princess Leia fantasy - there is part of the movie which could easily evolve into Galactic Senator fantasy ;). Ewan McGregor is supreme! I was truly amazed at how easily he slipped into Alec Guiness' "hot cat" Jedi Knight role. Jar Jar Binks is (highlight to read) transformed into almost dignifying character, who plays small and very important sad role. I was a little bit worried that Padme-Anakin romance would be yucky, but it's quite convincing (although I could live without a couple of scenes).

To cut a long story short - where "Phantom Menace" appears juvenile, AOTC is epic in a true Star Wars manner. The majority of movie critics complained of too much action or too much visual effects in contrast to too little story. All these argumesnts are just silly - it is the year 2002. If Lucas made movie that has dynamics, action, visual effects or simple scenery as "New Hope" that movie wouldn't have paid for cardboard props alone. AOTC is Star Wars for XXI century - it's as simple as that. It is a fantastic intro to Episode III, how are we supposed to wait until 2005?